My favourite pieces from @Auckartgal

Today started in the best possible way a Sunday could, waking up to the sound of church bells ringing. I made waffles for breakfast and then I went to the Auckland Art Gallery for the first time in way too long. The new building is fantastic, although easy to get lost in. I really like what they’ve done with the lighting, it makes the golds and whites really shine.

There are some great new additions to the collection, and I hope they decide to keep the Flower Chandelier permanently. However after being closed for this long I really just wanted to see the adored pieces I have missed over the years.

Anyone who knows me well (or reads this blog regularly) knows my favourite painting, Lamia, is in the Auckland collection. I walked into the room it is in and a bunch of tourists were crowed around it, I got a bit impatient waiting for them to move on.

Anyway here are some of the other artworks which have always appealed to me. The reproductions do them no justice, so go see them for yourself in all their true glory.

Frederick Goodall – The Finding of Moses Because of this painting I was amazed to see Ibises in Sydney, however after living there for awhile I realised what annoying birds they actually are.  Daniel Maclise – The Spirit of Justice The angel in pink on the left is beautiful, I swear all the Disney princesses are modeled off her.

Frank Bramley – For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven This painting is so creepy, especially the grey faced girl staring directly at you. I was probably about her age when I first noticed this painting, and perhaps that’s why I like it.

Frederick Leighton – The Spirit of the Summit and Guido Reni – Saint Sebastian The internet has completely drained these images of their dark blue colours and star filled skies.

Eduardo Paolozzi Thank goodness some of the pop art collection has come out of hiding! If anyone from the art gallery is reading this, please bring out the two Liechtensteins and the Yoko Ono film. Much thanks!

William Hodges – A View in Dusky Bay, New Zealand

Christopher Perkins – Taranaki and Robin White – Fish and chips, Maketu